The functions of MAB biosphere reserves

CONSERVATION to contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation. 

DEVELOPMENT to encomage economic and human development which is socially, culturally and ecologically sustainable. 

LOGISTICS to provide support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange on scientific and socio-cultural aspects of conservation and development at scales from the local to the global. 

A year after MAB was founded, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP see UNEP, 2004a)) was established in 1972 as a component of the United Nations (UN) following the International Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. Its mission is given below. 

To provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve Aeir quality of life without compromising that of future generations. 

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Table 7.7. The functions of MAB biosphere reserves (based on UNESCO, 2004).

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